Why do many people say Koreans have very little body odor? This post looks at genetics, hygiene habits, food smells, and everyday Korean culture in a friendly way.
One thing foreigners sometimes notice in Korea is that people’s natural body odor seems much less noticeable. Some studies connect this to the ABCC11 gene type, which is common in East Asian populations. But genetics alone cannot explain everything. Korea’s frequent washing habits, awareness of others in public spaces, and preference for clean scents also seem to shape this everyday cultural impression.
1. A Cultural Difference Many Foreigners Notice in Korea
Foreigners living in Korea often notice many small cultural differences. One of the more surprising ones is body odor.
In crowded places like subways or buses, people are often standing very close to one another. Even then, some foreigners say they rarely notice strong body odor from people around them. Many Koreans who have traveled or lived abroad also say they first became aware of this difference outside Korea.
I still remember the first time I used the subway abroad. That was when I realized, “Wow, body odor really can be this different from person to person.” In Korea, it was something I had barely thought about before.
That may be why the question, “Why do Koreans seem to have so little body odor?” has often come up as part of cultural conversations about Korea.
2. The ABCC11 Gene and Body Odor
Human body odor can vary a lot from person to person, and genetics is known to play a role. One gene that is often mentioned is the ABCC11 gene, which is related to the activity of apocrine glands, especially around the armpits.
Some studies explain that different types of this gene may affect how strongly body odor develops. In East Asian populations, a certain variant is more common, and this has been linked to weaker body odor in many cases.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have also discussed the relationship between the ABCC11 gene and body odor, noting that certain gene variants are found more often in East Asian populations. Because this trait appears especially common in some East Asian groups, including Koreans, it has also become a topic of discussion in foreign online communities.
When I lived abroad, I did think Koreans seemed to have relatively weak body odor. But I never imagined there could be a gene connected to it. When I first came across this kind of information, it was actually quite fascinating to learn.
Of course, body odor cannot be explained by one gene alone. Even within the same country, people are different. Food, stress, lifestyle, hygiene habits, and the environment can all play a role.
3. Then Why Do Food Smells Stand Out More?
Some foreigners say they can notice food smells from Koreans, but not necessarily strong natural body odor.
Korean food uses a lot of garlic, much more than some visitors might expect. But even then, what people notice is often closer to the smell of food rather than the person’s natural body odor. Since the body odor itself may not be very strong, food-related smells can sometimes stand out more clearly.
Maybe it feels stronger simply because the natural body odor is already quite mild. In that sense, the smell people notice is not always “bad body odor.” It may be closer to the lingering scent of Korea’s food culture.
4. Korean Hygiene Habits and Body Odor Culture
Still, this cannot be explained by genetics alone. Everyday habits in Korea also seem to play a part.
One thing that surprised me when I lived abroad was deodorant culture. In many foreign supermarkets, the deodorant section was much bigger than I expected. Everyone around me seemed to use it so naturally, so I tried buying one too. To be honest, I used it a few times and then threw it away. The scent itself felt stronger and more unfamiliar to me.
You can also find people online saying that deodorant is not as easy to find in Korea. That may be because many Koreans do not see deodorant as an everyday necessity. On the other hand, Koreans do not usually think of themselves as being obsessed with cleanliness. For many people, showering after sweating simply feels normal.
I grew up with that habit too. Even now, when my child comes home from exercise with sweaty hair, the first thing I say is, “Go take a shower.” Korea’s summer is also hot and humid, so people naturally shower more often. My younger brother even showers almost three times a day in summer.
Public transportation may also matter. Many Koreans use subways and buses every day, often standing close to other people. Because of that, people may become more aware of how they smell in shared spaces. Brushing teeth or using mouthwash after meals is also common in Korea. It is not only about body odor, but also about breath and food smells.
Perfume culture in Korea also feels a little different from some Western countries. Rather than strong perfumes, many people seem to prefer “clean” scents, like shampoo, laundry softener, or freshly washed clothes. People can also be quite sensitive to sweat smells or damp, musty odors.
5. Why This Cultural Difference Is So Interesting
In the end, the story of Korean body odor cannot be explained by genetics alone. But related research does exist, and many Koreans also manage smell through everyday habits without thinking too much about it.
In Korea, this feels so normal that many people do not even notice it. But once you go abroad, the difference can feel surprisingly clear. Maybe that is one reason some foreigners describe Korea as feeling clean or fresh.
So, the topic of Korean body odor is not only about smell. To me, it feels closer to a story about long-standing habits and a way of life that has gradually become part of Korean culture.
COMING UP NEXT
What Is June Weather Like in Korea?
Korea’s hot and humid summer weather also affects everyday habits like showering, clothing, and even how people think about body odor. In the next post, we’ll look at what June feels like in Korea, what people usually wear, and how the rainy season begins.
Read the June Korea Weather Guide 👉